I am Reginald Walker Jr. from Chicago and now reside in Dallas Tx. Here’s a little background of how I got into playing music.
As a toddler my mom (Cynthia Keel) wanted me to sing in the children’s choir however that was not my passion or my gift. I was beating my mom’s pots and pans as early as 2-3 years old. I started out having interest in playing drums, it looked fun to do.
Some of my musical influencers were Kenny Williams, Keith Summerville, Kennth Peck and Germaine Randall. I would get to play drums with the children’s choir once in a while.
When I was 10 I started to gain a some interest into playing piano and organ because my dad played (Reginald Walker Sr. (R.I.P) I progressed little by little between drums and piano. During my grammar school years at Emmanuel Christian School, I met teachers that were musicians Professor Willie Jones (the Asst. Principal), Ms. May (my first music teacher), and Mr. James Morris (my second music teacher). They all played organ and piano and were great inspirations to me. I was still playing drums but my interest was growing in organ and piano. I started learning how to play piano and organ a little bit at the church my father Pastored, (Greater Rock of Ages). There were three guys I met at the church that influenced my playing even more, George Adams, Lenard Maddox, and Shawn Lewis.
I was 11yrs old when the people at my school gave me the opportunity to show my limited skills at a few chapel services that they would have every Friday. I started getting more opportunities to play piano and organ because I was slowly getting a little bit better. At 12yrs old I started taking organ and piano serious and my music teacher, Mr. Morris, started a glee club which was a singing group at the school. He would have me to play organ with him often in those chapels even though the pastor at that time wasn’t fond of students being on the organ but they gave me a chance. I thank Pastor Curry for allowing it to happen because it helped me to develop my skills. I have so many stories of different musician and preachers I’ve played for that were inspirational to me… so many musicians I want thank and appreciate in the 38yrs I’ve been on this earth.
I’m 38 now and the Lord has allowed me to be among some of the best musicians that I’ve ever seen and heard of and still meeting new, upcoming and seasoned school musicians. I’ve had a great time in this music. I wholeheartedly thank God for allowing me the opportunity of putting in 25 years into a career that I have loved, hated on some days, and deeply cared for. I’m truly honored for God giving me a spot to play in His service. I may not be on anyone’s top 10 list of musicians (that I’m aware of) and I’m not necessarily trying to be but I’m thankful to have my little spot over in the corner to give God ALL the glory!